A driver with a Lagos-based company, Godwin Ochogwu, on Thursday appeared before an Ogudu Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing telecommunications equipment worth N26.05 million.

Ochogwu, 27, who was arraigned before Magistrate O. A. Daodu, is facing a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing.

He, however, pleaded not guilty.

The police prosecutor, Inspector Sunday Bassey, told the court that the defendant and others still at large committed the offences between July and October 21 at No. 15, Bola Shoneiki St., Ogudu GRA, Lagos.

Mr Bassey said the defendant, who worked as a company driver, was captured on the company’s CCTV footage stealing vital telecommunications equipment from its technical store.

He listed the stolen items to include 10 pieces of radio remote units valued at N20 million; two base band units valued at N2 million; and 14 pieces of SFP modules (10 grammes) valued at N400,000.

Others include 12 pieces of SFP modules (one gramme) valued at N300,000; two base band power cables worth N100,000 and 13 fibre cables valued at N3.25 million.

The prosecutor said the total value of the stolen items was N26.05 million, property of Omnicom Solutions Ltd.

He added that the offences contravened Sections 280, 287(7) and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The magistrate granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with two responsible sureties in like sum and adjourned the case until November 21 for mention. (NAN)